Drones that save people from avalanches

ABSTRACT

Drone systems can include one or more drones that can fly. A drone can include a camera system that has one or more cameras. Drones can fly over an avalanche zone where an avalanche recently occurred to search for avalanche victims and mark the locations of avalanche victims to quickly and accurately notify people where to dig through the snow to save avalanche victims from asphyxiation.

BACKGROUND Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to drones. Certain embodiments relate to drones that save people from avalanches.

Description of Related Art

People often search for avalanche victims by digging through the snow with their hands or sometimes a shovel. Avalanche fields are often very large. As a result, digging through heavy, compact avalanche snow without knowing where to dig is unlikely to uncover avalanche victims before they pass away due to asphyxiation.

Sometimes, people push thin, metal rods called probes through the snow to feel if they contact a person under the snow. This probe method is typically far too slow to save many avalanche victims.

Some people have handheld avalanche transceivers that can be used to search for avalanche victims that also have handheld avalanche transceivers. Few people own handheld avalanche transceivers due to their high cost and difficulty to use. Effectively using avalanche transceivers requires both training and the ability to perform under the immense pressure of trying to save avalanche victims before asphyxiation. Unfortunately, the fact that few people own handheld avalanche transceivers and few people know how to use them effectively results in many preventable deaths due to avalanches.

Thus, there is a need for systems and methods that can quickly and accurately identify the locations of people buried in avalanches.

SUMMARY

Only 5.4 percent of avalanche deaths are caused solely by trauma from the initial avalanche; the primary danger is the risk of asphyxiation under the snow after the avalanche.

93 percent of avalanche victims survive if they are dug out within 15 minutes. If not uncovered within 15 minutes, few avalanche victims survive. After 45 minutes, only 20 to 30 percent of avalanche victims will live if uncovered. After two hours, the odds of survival are nearly zero. Thus, the key to saving avalanche victims is to detect their location quickly so they can be dug out in less than 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, most avalanche encounters involve people blindly searching an enormous area that is typically around 150 meters in length and 50 to 80 meters wide, which results in an avalanche field that is around 9,750 square meters. Digging through deep, heavy, compacted avalanche snow (often with nothing more than hands) is arduous and time consuming. If three people are searching and each person can dig down through two square meters to the necessary search depth each minute, then less than 1% of the avalanche field can be searched within the critical 15 minutes before asphyxiation is likely.

Considering only around 1% of an avalanche field can typically be searched before it is too late to save the avalanche victims, the ability to quickly and accurately identify where to search for avalanche victims will save many lives.

In some embodiments, a method of using a drone system comprises a first drone configured to fly. The first drone can comprise a first camera system. Methods can comprise flying the first drone above an avalanche zone and identifying an avalanche victim search area.

Some embodiments comprise receiving, by the drone system, a first Global Positioning System (“GPS”) location of a remote computing device of an avalanche reporter, and flying, autonomously by the drone system, the first drone to a second location that is within 100 meters of the first GPS location in response to receiving the first GPS location.

In some embodiments, identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises taking at least one picture at the second location, by the first camera system of the first drone, of a snow ground layer, analyzing, by the drone system, the at least one picture to evaluate a first surface roughness of the snow ground layer, and identifying, by the drone system, the avalanche victim search area at least partially based on the first surface roughness.

Some embodiments comprise searching, autonomously by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area.

In some embodiments, identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises taking at least one picture, by the first camera system of the first drone, of a snow ground layer, analyzing, by the drone system, the at least one picture to evaluate a first surface roughness of the snow ground layer in a first area and in a second surface roughness in a second area, and determining, by the drone system, that avalanche victim search area comprises the first area at least partially based on determining the first surface roughness of the first area is at least one of indicative of an avalanche, greater than a predetermined threshold, and greater than the second surface roughness of the second area.

Some embodiments comprise searching, by at least one drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area in response to identifying the avalanche victim search area.

Some embodiments comprise creating a geofence around the avalanche victim search area and searching, autonomously by the first drone, for the avalanche victim within the geofence.

In some embodiments, drone system comprises artificial intelligence, and identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises taking at least one picture, by the first camera system of the first drone, of a snow ground layer, and analyzing, by the artificial intelligence of the drone system, the at least one picture to determine at least one area shown within the at least one picture that has surface features indicative of an avalanche. Embodiments can comprise searching, autonomously by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area.

In some embodiments, methods use a drone system that comprises a first drone configured to fly and several more drones configured to fly. Drones can work together to detect avalanche victims. Each drone can take pictures that are sent to and analyzed by the drone system. Each drone can detect electronic devices using electronic device detection systems. Data from each drone regarding electronic device detection can be sent to the drone system for analysis.

In some embodiments, a first drone includes a camera system with one or more cameras and equipment necessary to operate the cameras including memory and software. Some embodiments comprise flying the first drone above an avalanche zone and identifying an avalanche victim search area.

In some embodiments, a first drone comprises an electronic device detection system. Embodiments can comprise searching, by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location of the avalanche victim by taking at least one picture, by the first camera system, of at least a portion of the avalanche victim search area; detecting, by the drone system, people shown within the at least one picture; detecting, by the electronic device detection system, electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area; determining that one of the electronic devices is not located adjacent to any of the people shown within the at least one picture; and/or detecting a first location of the one of the electronic devices.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location of the avalanche victim by taking at least one picture, by the first camera system, of at least a portion of the avalanche victim search area; detecting, by the drone system, people shown within the at least one picture; detecting, by the electronic device detection system, electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area; determining that one of the electronic devices is not located within 5 meters, within 10 meters, or within 17 meters of any of the people shown within the at least one picture; and/or detecting a first location of the one of the electronic devices.

In some embodiments, an electronic device detection system comprises a cellular communication detector configured to detect a mobile phone. Detecting the electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area can comprise detecting, by the cellular communication detector of the first drone, the mobile phone. The one of the electronic devices can be the mobile phone. Detecting the first location of the one of the electronic devices can comprise detecting the first location of the mobile phone.

In some embodiments, the electronic device detection system comprises a radio receiver configured to detect at least one radio communication. Detecting the electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area can comprise detecting, by the radio receiver of the first drone, the at least one radio communication from the electronic devices. The one of the electronic devices can be a radio communication device, and detecting the first location of the one of the electronic devices can comprise detecting a source of at least one radio transmission from the radio communication device.

In some embodiments, detecting the source of the at least one radio transmission comprises detecting ultra-high frequency radio waves between 2.1 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz.

In some embodiments, detecting the source of the at least one radio transmission comprises detecting ultra-high frequency radio waves between 6.2 gigahertz and 7.8 gigahertz.

In some embodiments, detecting the electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area comprises emitting, by the first drone, at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse, and receiving, by the first drone, a signal from the one of the electronic devices in response to emitting the at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse.

In some embodiments, detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a first path that is inwardly offset from a perimeter of the avalanche victim search area and autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a second path that is inwardly offset from the first path.

In some embodiments, detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a horizontally undulating path over the avalanche victim search area while detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic devices.

In some embodiments, detecting the first location of the one of the electronic devices comprises detecting, by the first drone while flying along a first path, a first signal strength variation from the one of the electronic devices; determining a second location of a first peak of the first signal strength variation; detecting, by the first drone while flying along a second path, a second signal strength variation from the one of the electronic devices; and determining a third location of a second peak of the second signal strength variation.

Some embodiments comprise detecting, by the first drone while flying along a third path between the second location and the third location, a third signal strength variation from the one of the electronic devices, and determining a fourth location of a third peak of the third signal strength variation, wherein the fourth location is the first location of the one of the electronic devices.

In some embodiments, the first path and the second path intersect. In some embodiments, the second path is perpendicular to the first path. In some embodiments, the first path and the second path intersect at an angle that is greater than 70 degrees and less than 110 degrees.

In some embodiments, the drone system uses one or more drones to drop markers on the location of the avalanche victim and/or around the location of the avalanche victim. People can use the markers to know where to dig through the snow to save the avalanche victim.

Some embodiments comprise dropping, by the first drone, a marker on the first location in response to detecting the first location of the one of the electronic devices.

In some embodiments, the first drone comprises a powder container. Some embodiments comprise dropping, by the first drone from the powder container, a powder at least two locations such that the first location is between the at least two locations.

In some embodiments, a first drone comprises a powder container having an orifice and a wheel configured to impede a powder from exiting the orifice. Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder along a first path by rotating the wheel and dropping the powder along a second path by rotating the wheel. The first path and the second path can intersect. The first path and the second path can cross over the first location. The first path and the second path can form a cross shape or any other shape.

In some embodiments, the first drone comprises a powder container having an orifice and a wheel configured to impede a powder from exiting the orifice. Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder along a first path around the first location by rotating the wheel and dropping the powder along a second path around the first location by rotating the wheel. The second path can be outwardly offset from the first path.

Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder along a third path around the first location by rotating the wheel and dropping the powder along a fourth path around the first location by rotating the wheel. The third path can be outwardly offset from the second path. The fourth path can be outwardly offset from the third path. The paths can be concentric. The paths can be circular. The paths can be curved. Each path can be a loop. Each path can be a closed or partly open curve. In some embodiments, the paths are concentric rings that form a bullseye on the location of the avalanche victim.

In some embodiments, a drone system comprising a first drone configured to fly. The first drone can comprise a first camera system having one or more cameras. Embodiments can comprise flying, by the drone system, the first drone above an avalanche zone and identifying, by the drone system, an avalanche victim search area.

In some embodiments, the first drone comprises an electronic device detection system. Some embodiments comprise searching, by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location of the avalanche victim by taking at least one picture, by the first camera system of the first drone, of at least a portion of the avalanche victim search area; detecting, by the electronic device detection system, an electronic device within a portion of the avalanche victim search area; and determining, by the drone system, that the at least one picture does not show a person with the portion.

Some embodiments comprise automatically dropping, by the first drone or by any of the drones of the drone system, a marker on the estimated location in response to determining the estimated location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of portions of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of portions of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of portions of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of portions of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel, motor, and shaft while other elements of a drone are hidden, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional, perspective view taken through the middle of the wheel of portions of a drone, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagrammatic view that includes a drone having an electronic device detection system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a drone system, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate diagrammatic views of a drone system searching for an avalanche victim, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a drone system marking a location of an avalanche victim, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

About 94.6 percent of avalanche victims (people caught in avalanches) survive the actual avalanche but are at risk of asphyxiation under the snow if they are not dug out quickly. 93 percent of avalanche victims survive if they are dug out within 15 minutes. If not uncovered within 15 minutes, few avalanche victims survive. After 45 minutes, only 20 to 30 percent of avalanche victims will live if uncovered. After two hours, the odds of survival are nearly zero. Thus, the key to saving avalanche victims is to detect their location quickly so they can be dug out in less than 15 minutes.

A drone system 2 can be used to quickly and accurately identify the locations of avalanche victims 57 so rescuers can dig the avalanche victims 57 out of the snow before fatal asphyxiation.

Drones 4 a, 4 b used by the drone system 2 can be stationed remotely relative to the avalanche zone 50. For example, in some cases, the drones 4 a, 4 b are located at a ski resort's lodge where power is available to keep the drones 4 a, 4 b charged and a shelter can prevent falling snow from accumulating on the drones 4 a, 4 b. The shelter can include a roof and an opening (such as an open window or open door) for the drones 4 a, 4 b to fly out of the shelter when needed. The shelter can be heated to melt any snow that has accumulated on the drones 4 a, 4 b during their last mission.

The drones 4 a, 4 b can work together and can share data 45 with the rest of the drone system 2. Multiple drones 4 a, 4 b working together can reduce the average time needed to locate avalanche victims 57. Using multiple drones 4 a, 4 b is particularly helpful when the avalanche zone 50 is large. (The avalanche zone 50 is where the avalanche occurred.)

Due to the need to find avalanche victims 57 quickly, drone flying speed is important. In some cases, drones 4 a, 4 b are stationed in shelters at multiple locations around a ski resort or other avalanche-prone area to minimize the distance from at least one of the drones 4 a, 4 b to an avalanche zone 50.

A drone system 2 can have elements located at many different locations. In some embodiments, a drone system 2 can use cloud computing elements in addition to locally positioned elements. Drones 4 a, 4 b can be located near a ski resort or near another avalanche-prone area while other elements of the drone system 2 can be located very far away from the ski resort or other avalanche-prone area. In some embodiments, some elements of the drone system 2 use cloud-based computing where software and servers (and other elements) are located far away from the drones 4 a, 4 b.

The drone system 2 can include computer systems 14, communication systems 16 (that communicate over any suitable means such as cellular, Internet, wireless, wired, radio, Bluetooth, etc.), software 18, memory 20, image analysis systems 22, artificial intelligence systems 24, global position systems 26 (coupled to drones 42 a, 42 b and/or located remotely relative to drones 42 a, 42 b), map information 28, drone control systems 30, antennas 32, receivers 34, transmitters 36, and all other elements that are useful for any of the embodiments described herein.

Artificial intelligence systems 24 can be predictive, generative, machine learning, deep learning, artificial neural network, natural language processing, narrow, general, super, reactive machine, limited theory, theory of mind, self-aware, and/or any other type of artificial intelligence.

In some embodiments, a method of using a drone system 2 comprises a first drone 4 a configured to fly. The first drone 4 a can include propellers. The first drone 4 a can comprise a first camera system 41, which includes at least one camera 42 a. Methods can comprise flying the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50, and identifying, by the drone system 2, an avalanche victim search area 52.

Avalanche zones 50 typically occur in the mountains 51 on hills that are steeper than 30 degrees. Methods can comprise flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50. Methods can comprise autonomously flying the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50. Methods can comprise flying, via human radio control and/or via human remote control, the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50.

To avoid unnecessary redundancy, many of the embodiments are described with one drone 4 a, but all embodiments can include one drone, two drones, 50 drones, and/or any number of drones. A second drone 4 b can include any of the features described in the context of a first drone 4 a. Additional drones can include any of the features described in the context of the first drone 4 a.

A camera system 41 can include any number of cameras 42 a, 42 b. In some embodiments, a camera system 41 includes a first camera 42 a and a second camera 42 b. The first camera 42 a can be oriented downward. The second camera 42 b can be oriented at a 45-degree angle. In some embodiments, the second camera 42 b is oriented forward (to provide a real-time flying view).

Most avalanches that trap an avalanche victim 57 under the snow are triggered by either the avalanche victim 57 or by someone in the avalanche victim's party. Often, the avalanche reporter 55 (the person who reports the avalanche 59 to summon help such as ski patrol, ambulance services, or other first responders) is someone in the avalanche victim's party but also can be another person who witnesses the avalanche 59. The avalanche reporter 55 can use her remote computing device 56 (such as a cellphone and/or satellite phone) to contact emergency help and to share a first GPS location 38 of the remote computing device 56. This emergency help can record the first GPS location 38 of the remote computing device 56 and can then share this first GPS location 38 with the drone system 2.

The drone system 2 can send drones 4 a, 4 b to the first GPS location 38. The avalanche reporter 55 and more specifically the remote computing device 56 may be inside or outside of the avalanche zone 50 when sharing the first GPS location 38. As a result, the drone system 2 uses drones 4 a, 4 b to explore an area 61 around the first GPS location 38 to identify the avalanche victim search area 52. The area 61 can comprise the avalanche zone 50 and can comprise locations outside of the avalanche zone 50. Thus, there is a need for methods to determine which locations are inside the avalanche victim search area 52 and which locations are outside the avalanche victim search area 52.

Some embodiments comprise receiving, by the drone system 2, a first GPS (Global Positioning System) location 38 of a remote computing device 56 of an avalanche reporter 55, and flying, autonomously by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a to a second location 43 that is within 100 meters of the first GPS location 38 in response to receiving the first GPS location 38.

In some embodiments, identifying the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises taking at least one picture 40 at the second location 43, by the first camera system 41 of the first drone 4 a, of a snow ground layer 62, analyzing, by the drone system 2, the at least one picture 40 to evaluate a first surface roughness 67 of the snow ground layer 62, and identifying, by the drone system 2, the avalanche victim search area 52 at least partially based on the first surface roughness 67.

Some embodiments comprise searching, autonomously by the first drone 4 a, for an avalanche victim 57 in the avalanche victim search area 52.

Snow that has fallen on the ground creates the snow ground layer 62. Surface roughness is created by inequalities, ridges, and projections on the surface of the snow ground layer 62.

In some embodiments, identifying the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises taking at least one picture 40, by the first camera system 41 of the first drone 4 a, of a snow ground layer 62, analyzing, by the drone system 2, the at least one picture 40 to evaluate a first surface roughness 67 of the snow ground layer 62 in a first area 71 and in a second surface roughness 68 in a second area 72, and determining, by the drone system 2, that avalanche victim search area 52 comprises the first area 71 at least partially based on determining the first surface roughness 67 of the first area 71 is at least one of indicative of an avalanche 59, greater than a predetermined threshold 44, and greater than the second surface roughness 68 of the second area 72.

The predetermined threshold 44 can be the minimum amount of inequalities, ridges, and projections on the surface of the snow ground layer 62 that is indicative of an avalanche having occurred.

The second area 72 can be an area in which an avalanche has not occurred. The first area 71 can be an area in which an avalanche has occurred.

Some embodiments comprise searching, by the first drone 4 a, for an avalanche victim 57 in the avalanche victim search area 52 in response to identifying the avalanche victim search area 52.

Some embodiments comprise creating a geofence 73 around the avalanche victim search area 52 and searching, autonomously by the first drone 4 a, for the avalanche victim 57 within the geofence 73.

In some embodiments, drone system 2 comprises artificial intelligence 24, and identifying the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises taking at least one picture 40, by the first camera system 41 of the first drone 4 a, of a snow ground layer 62, and analyzing, by the artificial intelligence 24 of the drone system 2, the at least one picture 40 to determine at least one area 71 shown within the at least one picture 40 that has surface features 74 indicative of an avalanche 59. Embodiments can comprise searching, autonomously by the first drone 4 a, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area 52. Surface features 74 indicative of an avalanche 59 can include inequalities, ridges, cracks, and projections on the surface of the snow ground layer 62.

In some embodiments, methods use a drone system 2 that comprises a first drone 4 a configured to fly and several more drones 4 b configured to fly. Drones 4 a, 4 b can work together to detect avalanche victims 57. Each drone 4 a, 4 b can take pictures that are sent to and analyzed by the drone system 2. Each drone 4 a, 4 b can detect electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d using electronic device detection systems 5. Data 45 from each drone 4 a, 4 b regarding electronic device detection can be sent to the drone system 2 for analysis.

In some embodiments, a first drone 4 a includes a camera system 41 with one or more cameras 42 a, 42 b and equipment necessary to operate the cameras 42 a, 42 b including memory and software. Some embodiments comprise flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50 and identifying, by the drone system 2, an avalanche victim search area 52. Some embodiments comprise autonomously flying the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50. Some embodiments comprise autonomously flying, via remote control or radio control by a person, the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50.

Some embodiments enable finding the avalanche victim 57 within the avalanche victim search area 52.

In some embodiments, a first drone 4 a comprises an electronic device detection system 5. The electronic device detection system 5 can be used to detect electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d in the possession of people 77 a, 77 b, 77 d in the avalanche victim search area 52.

Electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d can be cellular phones such as iPhones and Android phones; AirTags (made by Apple); active and passive RFIDs which can be included in ski passes, clothing, helmets, and in any other devices; radio devices; satellite communication devices; and many other types of electronic devices.

In some embodiments, an electronic device detection system 5 comprise an antenna 150, a cellular transmitter 151, a cellular receiver 152, a satellite transmitter 153, a satellite receiver 154, a radio transmitter 155, a radio receiver 88, an RFID radio transponder 156, an RFID radio receiver 157, and an RFID transmitter 158, and RFID reader 159.

RFID readers 159 are sometimes called interrogators. Some RFID embodiments include passive readers and active tags. Some RFID embodiments include active readers and passive tags. Some RFID embodiments include active readers and active tags.

Embodiments can comprise searching, by the first drone 4 a, for an avalanche victim 57 in the avalanche victim search area 52. The first drone 4 a can identify people by taking a picture and analyzing the picture to determine if the picture shows people. The first drone 4 a and/or the drone system 2 can use the electronic device detection system 5 to detect electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location 75 of the avalanche victim 57 by taking at least one picture 40, by the first camera system 41, of at least a portion 76 a of the avalanche victim search area 52; detecting, by the drone system 2, people 77 a, 77 b, 77 c shown within the at least one picture 40; detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52; determining that one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d is not located adjacent to any of the people 77 a, 77 b, 77 c shown within the at least one picture 40; and/or detecting a first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location 75 of the avalanche victim 57 by taking at least one picture 40, by the first camera system 41, of at least a portion 76 a of the avalanche victim search area 52; detecting, by the drone system 2, people 77 a, 77 b, 77 c shown within the at least one picture 40; detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52; determining that one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d is not located within 5 meters, within 10 meters, and/or within 17 meters of any of the people 77 a, 77 b, 77 c shown within the at least one picture 40; and/or detecting a first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

A cellular communication detector 86 can be configured to detect cellular communications 97 from mobile phones 87.

In some embodiments, an electronic device detection system 5 comprises a cellular communication detector 86 configured to detect a mobile phone 87. Detecting the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52 can comprise detecting, by the cellular communication detector 86 of the first drone 4 a, the mobile phone 87. The one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d can be the mobile phone 87. Detecting the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d can comprise detecting the first location 83 of the mobile phone 87.

In some cases, the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d is a radio communication device 89 that sends radio communications 90. The radio communication device 89 can comprise a source 91 of radio transmissions 92.

In some embodiments, the electronic device detection system 5 comprises a radio receiver 88 configured to detect at least one radio communication 90. Detecting the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52 can comprise detecting, by the radio receiver 88 of the first drone 4 a, the at least one radio communication 90 from the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d. The one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d can be a radio communication device 89, and detecting the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d can comprise detecting a source 91 of at least one radio transmission 92 from the radio communication device 89.

Bluetooth can use ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves, which are electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 2 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz and often with frequencies between 2.4 gigahertz and 2.5 gigahertz. The electronic device detection system 5 can detect electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 2 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz.

In some embodiments, detecting the source 91 of the at least one radio transmission 92 comprises detecting ultra-high frequency radio waves between 2.1 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz.

Some embodiments detect ultra-wideband radio communications between 6.2 gigahertz and 7.8 gigahertz. The electronic device detection system 5 can detect radio communications with frequencies between 2 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz and also between 6.2 gigahertz and 7.8 gigahertz.

In some embodiments, detecting the source 91 of the at least one radio transmission 92 comprises detecting ultra-high frequency radio waves between 6.2 gigahertz and 7.8 gigahertz.

In some embodiments, electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d are satellite communication devices 99.

Some embodiments use radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags 98. In some embodiments, electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d are radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags 98 located inside ski passes. The RFID tags 98 can be active or passive. An electromagnetic interrogation pulse 93 from the electronic device detection system 5 can cause the RFID tags 98 to emit a signal 96 that is detected by the electronic device detection system 5.

In some embodiments, detecting the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises emitting, by the first drone 4 a, at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse 93, and receiving, by the first drone 4 a, a signal 96 from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d in response to emitting the at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse 93.

Some embodiments comprise innovative flight paths that are helpful to detect avalanche victims 57.

In some embodiments, detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a along a first path 101 that is inwardly offset from a perimeter 100 of the avalanche victim search area 52; autonomously flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a along a second path 102 that is inwardly offset from the first path 101; and autonomously flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a along a third path 103 that is inwardly offset from the second path 102.

In some embodiments, detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d within the avalanche victim search area 52 comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a along a horizontally undulating path 104 over the avalanche victim search area 52 while detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

As used herein, whether a flight path is “horizontally undulating” is judged from a view directly above the drone 4 a at a fixed distance of 30 meters from the drone 4 a such that altitude changes do not make a path “horizontally undulating.”

In some embodiments, detecting the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d comprises detecting, by the first drone 4 a while flying along a first path 105, a first signal strength variation 107 from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d; determining a second location 109 of a first peak 110 of the first signal strength variation 107; detecting, by the first drone 4 a while flying along a second path 106, a second signal strength variation 108 from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d; and determining a third location 111 of a second peak 112 of the second signal strength variation 108.

Some embodiments comprise detecting, by the first drone 4 a while flying along a third path 117 between the second location 109 and the third location 111, a third signal strength variation from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d, and determining a fourth location 115 of a third peak 116 of the third signal strength variation 113, wherein the fourth location 115 is the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

Calculating the estimated location 75 of the avalanche victim 57 is less complex when the second path 106 is perpendicular to the first path 105. In some embodiments, the first path 105 and the second path 106 intersect. In some embodiments, the second path 106 is perpendicular to the first path 105. In some embodiments, the first path 105 and the second path 106 intersect at an angle 119 that is greater than 70 degrees and less than 110 degrees.

In some embodiments, detecting the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d comprises detecting, by the first drone 4 a while flying along a first path 105, a first signal strength variation 107 from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d; determining a second location 109 that corresponds with a first peak 110 of the first signal strength variation 107; detecting, by the first drone 4 a while flying along a second path 106, a second signal strength variation 108 from the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d; determining a third location 111 that corresponds with a second peak 112 of the second signal strength variation 108; calculating a first direction 121 that is perpendicular to the first path 105 and that crosses the first path 105 at the second location 109; calculating a second direction 120 that is perpendicular to the second path 106 and that crosses the second path 106 at the third location 111; and determining a fifth location 122 where the first direction 121 intersects the second direction 120, wherein the fifth location 122 is the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

In some embodiments, the drone system 2 uses one or more drones 4 a, 4 b to drop markers 126 on the location of the avalanche victim 57 and/or around the location of the avalanche victim 57. People 77 a, 77 b, 77 c can use the markers 126 to know where to dig through the snow to save the avalanche victim 57. In some embodiments, the markers 126 are flags, paint, and/or powder 130 a, 130 b.

The powder 130 a, 130 b can comprise a bright-colored dye. Red and blue dyes are particularly visible in a snowy mountain environment with evergreen trees.

In some embodiments, the markers 126 are digital markers such as GPS coordinates that can be shared with electronic devices 82 a, 82 b of people 77 a, 77 b searching for the avalanche victim 57.

Some embodiments comprise dropping, by the first drone 4 a, a marker 126 on the first location 83 in response to detecting the first location 83 of the one 82 d of the electronic devices 82 a, 82 b, 82 d.

The first location 83 can be an area that is 1.5 meters or less wide, 1 meter or less in diameter, 3 meters or less wide, and/or 5 meters or less in diameter.

In some embodiments, the first drone 4 a comprises a powder container 133. Some embodiments comprise dropping, by the first drone 4 a from the powder container 133, a powder at least two locations 135, 136 such that the first location 83 is between the at least two locations 135, 136. This way, the rescuers can dig between the two locations 135, 136 without destroying the powder markers and thereby losing track of where they should be digging.

In some embodiments, a first drone 4 a comprises a powder container 133 having an orifice 137 and a wheel 138 configured to impede a powder 130 a from exiting the orifice 137. Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder 130 a along a first path 141 by rotating the wheel 138 and dropping the powder 130 a along a second path 142 by rotating the wheel 138. The first path and the second path 142 can intersect. The first path 141 and the second path 142 can cross over the first location 83. The first path 141 and the second path 142 can form a cross shape or any other shape.

The first drone 4 a can comprise a motor 160. A shaft 161 can couple the wheel 138 to the motor 160. The motor 160 can rotate the shaft 161 to rotate the wheel 138.

In some embodiments, the first drone 4 a comprises a powder container 133 having an orifice 137 and a wheel 138 configured to impede a powder 130 a from exiting the orifice 137. Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder 130 a along a first path 143 around the first location 83 by rotating the wheel 138 and dropping the powder 130 a along a second path 144 around the first location 83 by rotating the wheel 138. The second path 144 can be outwardly offset from the first path 143.

Some embodiments comprise dropping the powder 130 a along a third path 145 around the first location 83 by rotating the wheel 138 and dropping the powder 130 a along a fourth path 146 around the first location 83 by rotating the wheel 138. The third path 145 can be outwardly offset from the second path. The fourth path 146 can be outwardly offset from the third path 145.

The paths 143, 144, 145, 146 can be concentric. The paths 143, 144, 145, 146 can be circular. The paths 143, 144, 145, 146 can be curved. Each path 143, 144, 145, 146 can be a loop. Each path 143, 144, 145, 146 can be a closed or partly open curve. In some embodiments, the paths 143, 144, 145, 146 are concentric rings that form a bullseye on the location of the avalanche victim 57.

In some embodiments, a drone system 2 comprises a first drone 4 a configured to fly. The first drone 4 a can comprise a first camera system 41 having one or more cameras 42 a, 42 b. Embodiments can comprise flying, by the drone system 2, the first drone 4 a above an avalanche zone 50 and identifying, by the drone system 2, an avalanche victim search area 52.

In some embodiments, the first drone 4 a comprises an electronic device detection system 5. Some embodiments comprise searching, by the first drone 4 a, for an avalanche victim 57 in the avalanche victim search area 52.

Some embodiments comprise determining an estimated location 75 of the avalanche victim 57 by taking at least one picture 40, by the first camera system 41 of the first drone 4 a, of at least a portion 76 b of the avalanche victim search area 52; detecting, by the electronic device detection system 5, an electronic device 82 d within the portion 76 b of the avalanche victim search area 52; and determining, by the drone system 2, that the at least one picture 40 does not show a person 77 d (e.g., the avalanche victim 57) with the portion 76 b.

Some embodiments comprise automatically dropping, by the first drone 4 a or by any of the drones of the drone system 2, a marker 126 on the estimated location 75 in response to determining the estimated location 75.

Interpretation

To reduce unnecessary redundancy, not every element or feature is described in the context of every embodiment, but all elements and features described in the context of any embodiment herein and/or incorporated by reference can be combined with any elements and/or features described in the context of any other embodiments.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.

The term “app”, as used in this disclosure, refers to both native apps and mobile cloud apps (and Web apps). Native apps are installed directly on remote computing devices, whereby developers create separate app versions for each type of remote computing device (e.g., iPhone devices and Android devices). Native apps may be stored on the remote computing device out of the box, or the native apps can be downloaded from a public or private app store and installed on the remote computing device.

Data associated with native apps can be stored on the remote computing device and/or can be stored remotely and accessed by the native app. Internet connectivity may be used by some instances of apps. Other instances of apps may not use Internet connectivity. In some embodiments, apps can function without Internet connectivity.

Mobile cloud apps are very similar to Web-based apps. The main similarity is that both mobile cloud apps and Web apps run on servers external to the remote computing device and may require the use of a browser on the remote computing device to display and then use the app user interface (UI). Mobile cloud apps can be native apps rebuilt to run in the mobile cloud; custom apps developed for mobile devices; or third-party apps downloaded to the cloud from external sources. Some organizations offer both a native and mobile cloud versions of their applications. In short, the term “app” refers to both native apps and mobile cloud apps.

None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

Some of the devices, systems, embodiments, and processes use computers. Each of the routines, processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computers, computer processors, or machines configured to execute computer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, flash memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g., volatile or non-volatile storage.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. 

The following is claimed:
 1. A method of using a drone system comprising a first drone configured to fly, wherein the first drone comprises a first camera system, the method comprising: flying the first drone above an avalanche zone; identifying an avalanche victim search area; receiving, by the drone system, a first GPS location of a remote computing device of an avalanche reporter; and flying, autonomously by the drone system, the first drone to a second location that is within 100 meters of the first GPS location in response to receiving the first GPS location, wherein identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises taking at least one picture at the second location, by the first camera system of the first drone, of a snow ground layer, analyzing, by the drone system, the at least one picture to evaluate a first surface roughness of the snow ground layer, and identifying, by the drone system, the avalanche victim search area at least partially based on the first surface roughness, the method further comprising searching, autonomously by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating a geofence around the avalanche victim search area and searching, autonomously by the first drone, for the avalanche victim within the geofence.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the drone system comprises artificial intelligence, and identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises analyzing, by the artificial intelligence of the drone system, the at least one picture to determine at least one area shown within the at least one picture has surface features indicative of an avalanche.
 4. A method of using a drone system comprising a first drone configured to fly, wherein the first drone comprises a first camera system, the method comprising: flying the first drone above an avalanche zone; and identifying an avalanche victim search area, wherein identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises taking at least one picture, by the first camera system of the first drone, of a snow ground layer, analyzing, by the drone system, the at least one picture to evaluate a first surface roughness of the snow ground layer in a first area and a second surface roughness in a second area, and determining, by the drone system, that the avalanche victim search area comprises the first area at least partially based on determining the first surface roughness of the first area is at least one of indicative of an avalanche, greater than a predetermined threshold, and greater than the second surface roughness of the second area, the method further comprising searching, by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area in response to identifying the avalanche victim search area.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising creating a geofence around the avalanche victim search area and searching, autonomously by the first drone, for the avalanche victim within the geofence.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the drone system comprises artificial intelligence, and identifying the avalanche victim search area comprises analyzing, by the artificial intelligence of the drone system, the at least one picture to determine the first area shown within the at least one picture has surface features indicative of the avalanche.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the first drone comprises an electronic device detection system, the method further comprising determining an estimated location of the avalanche victim by detecting, by the drone system, people shown within the at least one picture, detecting, by the electronic device detection system, electronic devices within the avalanche victim search area, determining that one of the electronic devices is not located adjacent to any of the people shown within the at least one picture, and detecting a first location of the one of the electronic devices.
 8. A method of using a drone system comprising a first drone configured to fly, wherein the first drone comprises a first camera system and an electronic device detection system, the method comprising: flying the first drone above an avalanche zone; identifying an avalanche victim search area; searching, by the first drone, for an avalanche victim in the avalanche victim search area; determining an estimated location of the avalanche victim by taking at least one picture, by the first camera system of the first drone, of at least a portion of the avalanche victim search area, detecting, by the electronic device detection system, an electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area, and determining, by the drone system, that the at least one picture does not show a person within the portion; and marking, by the first drone, the estimated location in response to determining the estimated location.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic device detection system comprises a cellular communication detector configured to detect a mobile phone, wherein detecting the electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area comprises detecting, by the cellular communication detector of the first drone, the mobile phone, wherein the electronic device is the mobile phone.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic device detection system comprises a radio receiver, wherein detecting the electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area comprises detecting, by the radio receiver of the first drone, at least one radio communication from the electronic device.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting the electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area comprises emitting, by the first drone, at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse, and receiving, by the first drone, a signal from the electronic device in response to emitting the at least one electromagnetic interrogation pulse.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a first path that is inwardly offset from a perimeter of the avalanche victim search area and autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a second path that is inwardly offset from the first path.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic device within the portion of the avalanche victim search area comprises autonomously flying, by the drone system, the first drone along a horizontally undulating path over the avalanche victim search area while detecting, by the electronic device detection system, the electronic device.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting the electronic device comprises detecting, by the first drone while flying along a first path, a first signal strength variation from the electronic device, determining a first location of a first peak of the first signal strength variation, detecting, by the first drone while flying along a second path, a second signal strength variation from the electronic device, and determining a second location of a second peak of the second signal strength variation.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first path and the second path intersect at an angle that is greater than 70 degrees and less than 110 degrees.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting, by the first drone while flying along a third path between the first location and the second location, a third signal strength variation from the electronic device, and determining a third location of a third peak of the third signal strength variation, wherein the third location is the estimated location.
 17. The method of claim 8, further comprising dropping, by the first drone, a marker to mark the estimated location in response to determining the estimated location.
 18. The method of claim 8, wherein the first drone comprises a powder container, wherein marking the estimated location comprises dropping, by the first drone from the powder container, a powder on at least two locations such that the estimated location is between the at least two locations.
 19. The method of claim 8, wherein the first drone comprises a powder container having an orifice and a wheel configured to impede a powder from exiting the orifice, wherein marking the estimated location comprises dropping the powder along a first path by rotating the wheel and dropping the powder along a second path by rotating the wheel, wherein first path and the second path intersect, and the first path and the second path cross over the estimated location.
 20. The method of claim 8, wherein the first drone comprises a powder container having an orifice and a wheel configured to impede a powder from exiting the orifice, wherein marking the estimated location comprises dropping the powder along a first path around the estimated location by rotating the wheel.
 21. The method of claim 8, wherein marking, by the first drone, the estimated location comprises dropping, by the first drone, a marker. 